Perfect.

This is my video of the week.

I saw an article online about a pastor who had been approached by a couple in his congregation. They had just found out that their unborn child had Down's Syndrome, and wanted to abort. They lived in a state where it was illegal to abort after 24 weeks, and they were coming up quickly on that deadline. The pastor asked the couple that if HE could find them a couple that would adopt the baby, would they have it.

SO, I find this plea online. It's happening right now, this isn't even something that happened last year. They needed someone by today. And it was only the knowledge that they had found 3 couples to interview with that kept me from flying over there to save that baby. It didn't matter that Brandon reminded me that we don't have money to take care of a baby coming in October... but it was amazing that over 900 people responded to that message in the first day. I love it.

I also found this video, which is about something along the same lines.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/espn-airs-the-story-of-a-dad-who-wanted-to-abort-his-down-syndrome-daughter

I know if we are blessed with a child like this, it will initially be a struggle. But I know we will both know that our baby is perfect, no matter what.

Bring Him Home.

So, one of my favorite songs from Les Mis is "Bring Him Home". When we were little, my mom used to always say that was her favorite and we would roll our eyes and say, "AWWW MOM IT'S SO BORING!"

But, now that I'm older, I appreciate the song so much more. I even played it for a musical number during a Relief Society activity, and during the song I could hear people sniffing. I didn't mean to make it a sad time, I swear!

I think it's because of my brothers being out on missions, but that's what I think of when I hear this song.

Here are some versions that have touched me.

(The wonderful Hugh Jackman) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRNXVYzWwjw

(The Piano Guys) http://thepianoguys.com/portfolio/bring-him-home-from-les-miserables/

Trust me, it may make your allergies act up.

Les Mis on Youtube.

Brandon doesn't agree with Les Mis... yet. He'll come around. 

That said, I've been listening to it nonstop since he went to school. I found the link to the ENTIRE 10th anniversary concert, the video that started it all for us:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAVrm3wjzq8

I am coming up with a list of baby names (for future children) from this cast: Cosette tops the list only because it's the most normal. My favorite character is Fantine, but with some of her life choices I don't think that's a good example for a daughter. And for men I like Enjolras, but for obvious reasons that's not happening.

Now that my nerd is out for everyone to see, sorry to my neighbors for listening to me singing this all day.

Christmas Day 2012

This was my first Christmas away from home. I was worried about being mopey throughout the day, but it was very nice. I'm grateful that I have wonderful in-laws who tried their very best to make sure that I had a great Christmas. Here are a couple of highlights:
-Brandon wanted to make sure we got up super early to open presents. He even set TWO alarms to make sure... It was quite the way to wake up.
-We got some wonderful gifts from people (pictures later). One of my favorites was a quilt that Grandma Putnam made for us... so beautiful!
-At 9 AM, we got the present we had been waiting 7 months for- a call from Austin! We all got on a conference call and talked to him. We could feel the Spirit, and it was nice to see that he had not lost his sense of humor. Some highlights were when Cole asked him to say something in French. None of us speak French at all, so it was to hear. We asked for a door approach, and he said "Well, usually I say, 'Bonjour-' and then they slam the door in my face". hahaha I guess it's rough there. He also said he needs to work on not talking to people on the Metro after they've yelled at him. We were all shocked, obviously. And at the last minute, Dane woke up and cried into the phone for Austin.
-Finally, we got to go see "Les Miserables" last night. I know that story like the back of my hand, and had high standards for the movie. It did NOT disappoint! Hugh Jackman was Jean Valjean, and he did such a great job. One of the unique things about this movie was that instead of singing to a soundtrack, the singing we heard was them singing real-time. I was so impressed. I think it was great, and it was more appropriate than the play that we saw a year ago. And, of course, I cried for the last 20 minutes of the movie. I apologized to Taylor for being such a baby. But the end of the story just gets me every time. It was pretty bad, I mean I know how it ends but I'm still inconsolable by the end. One of the best things about this movie is the religious aspects that it has. Jean Valjean decides that he needs to change his life, and the story is his life and the people he touches. By the end of the movie, he's touched so many lives that he can rest assured that he'll go to heaven. Phew, it's such an emotional roller coaster. So everyone, GO SEE IT!!!!!!

(If we have a child with a very French name, you'll know what it's from.)
It was a successful day in my books. I'm grateful that my parents taught me that a marriage is a partnership, and that we should both sacrifice. It wouldn't be fair if I made Brandon go to my house every year for Christmas. If we did, then I wouldn't have had all the adventures this break that we've had so far. And, it's not even a "sacrifice" to go spend time with such great people!

What would YOU do?

I am a huge advocate for people with disabilities, if you didn't know.

Few things make me think less of you like hearing you say the "r-word". It's appalling, and I think that few words are worse to say.  Sometimes I will say it, but if someone doesn't listen to my opinions and continues to speak in such a hateful way then I can't help it.

I feel for those wonderful families who have to handle this different situations, because I have not had a sibling or child like this. I am grateful for the training I have received, because if my friends or family need help with additional services with their children I can help them through the system. I will also be that super annoying parent who tells them that they're doing it wrong. But only if they actually are, because I'll actually know for once.

My major is the exact right thing for this, because ideally I want to become a professional advocate for these children, and defend them in court.

I watched this video, and yep, you guessed it-cried. Few things get me emotional the way that watching someone with a disability succeed, or someone defending them.

So now my question is, what would YOU do? I know what I would do. I would get in that guy's face and tell him to mind his own business. He can't even imagine how those parents feel, especially when he said "You should discipline your child". Ugh, it makes me so mad!

http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/video/autistic-child-defended-cafe-family-at-dinner-man-criticizes-wwyd-16136829

Another inspirational video.

I really shouldn't watch videos like this when I'm already emotional about my presentation tomorrow. It's right up my alley, and I cried like a baby watching this video. But I loved it so much that I couldn't not share it.

Thankful List 2012- Day 11

Today, obviously, I'm thankful for our veterans.

I don't personally know too many people in the Armed Forces, but I am so grateful for what they do and for our country.
I know this is not the same, because missionaries aren't trained to put their lives in danger (necessarily), but I feel like anyone who can commit to giving up years of their lives to a cause that they believe in is a hero in their own right.

Few things get my tears going like watching those cute videos of families being reunited with their soldiers. It's just tender to watch how they run (especially when it's a surprise). In that note, enjoy this video. It's one I posted on Facebook, but I love it so much that I'm posting it again. That way, everyone can watch it. Just click on the video link.
Happy Veteran's Day! We had a great day thanks to our military who makes our life awesome.